AN: This takes place after the story, Glitch. Please read it first, otherwise you'll be missing a lot of context! For context on the gem "mindscape", I refer you to the comics. ( Look under the "Extras" section on the site " The world of Steven Universe." )


Crystal Gems Temple, The burning room, inside a bubble

Jasper could feel it. Even with all of the pain from the corruption happening to her gem, she knew that she was trapped, and she couldn't do anything about it. Defeated, injured, and stuck at the mercy of her enemies. She paced around the mindscape of her gem, a scowl on her face, occasionally pausing to kick something out of her way. The area around her had used to look like Homeworld, but cracks were making their way through the landscape, deep orange crystals growing out of the ground. She slammed her fist into one of them and was disappointed when nothing happened. She had no power here. Jasper continued to walk as she thought back to her battle with Lapis.

" That sneaky traitor... when I get out of here, she's the first one gone. " she thought. The idea gave her little comfort, but was dispelled quickly when another bolt of pain made its way from her gem and throughout her body. She paused and gritted her fangs as another crystal grew out of her shoulder. The corruption had been spreading, taking over the right side of her body, leaving her with elongated claws on her hand and foot and no vision out of one eye.

" Those gems will pay for this..." she growled as she resumed her pacing. " I just need some more time..."


Beach City, The Big Doughnut

" Hey Sadie! Hey Lars! Come meet my new friends!"

Sadie stopped her restocking and looked at the door to see Steven smiling widely. She grinned and leaned on the counter.

" Lars is busy in the back room, but I'd love to meet your friends, Steven. You seem pretty excited." she said. Steven ran up to her and gestured behind him at two figures who had followed him inside.

" Sadie, meet Lapis and Peridot!" he said. Sadie looked at the newcomers. They definitely weren't human, but with Steven, that was almost expected. Judging by their appearance, they were probably Gems, like the others. One was light blue and slender, with navy hair and a flowing skirt. The other was green and, for some reason, had floating fingers. Sadie wasn't sure who exactly they were, however, she did vaguely recognize them.

" Hey, aren't you the one that took the ocean about a year ago? " she said, pointing at the blue one. The woman in question blushed slightly and nodded. Sadie quickly realized her mistake when the green one glared at her.

" Oh, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up. " she stammered. She got a small smile in response.

" It's okay, don't worry about it, it's all people here recognize me for. I promised to Steven that I won't do it again. Sorry got getting off on the wrong foot. My name's Lapis, Lapis Lazuli. You're Sadie, right?"

" Yeah, it's nice to meet you properly. " said Sadie, reaching out to shake hands. Lapis looked a little confused until Steven motioned for her to respond. She realized what he has trying to tell her and shook hands.

" Sorry, I'm not too familiar with some of your human customs, but I'm getting better at learning." she said. Sadie smiled and turned towards the other woman.

" You must be Peridot, right? " she asked. Peridot gave her a stiff nod and stared at the offered hand until Lapis gave her a nudge. She blushed slightly, sighed, and quickly shook hands. Steven was oblivious to the awkward social situation taking place and smiled at the three people around him.

" So we're all friends now, right? " he asked hopefully. Lapis patted his head lightly.

" Yes Steven, we're friends. " she said. Steven grabbed her hand and began walking towards the door.

" There's a lot more people I want you to meet! C'mon Peridot! Catch up!" he said as he left the building. Peridot ran to the door, but before she left, she turned back towards the counter.

" Look, I don't know a lot about humans, and I don't trust them either. But Lapis trusts Steven, and Steven trusts you, so I need to ask you something important. " she said. Sadie nodded nervously.

" If something bad ever happens, promise that you, and whoever you're with, will protect Lapis if I'm not there." said Peridot quietly.

" I will, promise. " said Sadie, relived that she hadn't accidentally angered the gem. Peridot gave Sadie a small smile before leaving the building. Just as the bell on the door stopped jingling, Lars walked out of the back room, setting down a box.

" Lemme guess, they didn't buy anything? " he grumbled. Sadie nodded.

" It was Steven and some new Gems. They looked friendly enough. You'll probably meet them eventually." she said. Lars just groaned and continued retrieving more boxes. Sadie took a moment to look out the window before going back to work.

" I wonder what she meant by something bad..." she thought.


On the boardwalk

" Sorry about what happened to your mayor, Steven. " said Lapis. The human had sneaked up on the group and yelled into a megaphone about his campaign. The sudden noise had startled Lapis and she used the nearby ocean to completely soak the man before she realized who he was. It hadn't helped that Peridot was aiming her energy cannon at his face. It had taken several apologies before he had stomped off and left in his van.

" Don't worry about it Lapis, he'll be fine, he's been through worse." said Steven.

" It could have been something serious..." muttered Peridot. Lapis reached over and took the other Gem's hand.

" It could have, but it wasn't, and we're all okay. Please try to relax. " she said, giving her partner a quick peck on the cheek. Peridot blushed and tightened her grip.

" Okay... I'll try." she mumbled. " But only because it's you. "

" Thanks. " replied Lapis. Steven had run ahead to point out more things, leaving the two more of less alone on the boardwalk, as most of the humans tended to avoid them. Lapis stopped walking and tried to move in for a kiss.

" There's people watching..." said Peridot, blush darkening. Lapis giggled.

" I didn't know you were shy Peri." she said smugly. Peridot only became more flustered. Lapis let out a small laugh and kept walking.

" It's okay, I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. " she said. Peridot smiled back at her.

" Thanks Lazi. " she said. Steven ran over to them.

" Hurry up guys, you're falling behind!" he said, grabbing Lapis' free hand and pulling both gems along behind him towards the amusement park.


AN: Aaaaannd That's all for chapter one. Let me know what you think! :3